Journeys, physical and spiritual

October 10, 2006 - 10:31 AM by Sarah

On a hike near Israel’s northern coast, Sabra at Heart reflects on the year that was, and why some aspects of her life are for Close Friends Only:

My newest tradition is to go on at least one hike with my friend Shai on Chol Hamoed Succot. This year we hiked Nachal Yagur between Yokneam and Haifa . . . .

The purpose of our hiking is not only to see the beauty of the country but to reflect on the recent Yom Kippur and past year. Both last year and this year we reflected on how our lives have changed over the course of the year. We started the deep conversation on the drive up north. I personally have only a few friends who I talk to about my religious growth process and Shai is one of those close friends. The conversation veered right away to the events that occurred to both of us the week following Yom Kippur (I am only discussing here the topics that I brought up on the hike which are specifically related to my thought process and feelings.) Throughout the hike we talked and then pondered the advice and thought process of why we each felt the way we did. We did talk about misconceptions others have of us and what we plan or not plan on doing to change those misconceptions. I used to be quite open to others about my religious choices when the choices involved not being frum. But now that I’ve made more than a 360 degree change, I have specifically chosen not to express my very intimate and personal relationship with Hashem to just anyone. Shai pointed out that at this point I am doing myself somewhat of a disservice by not sharing with others who care about me where I stand and what I believe in. My feelings are that if you never ask me who I am why should I share it with you? But on the other hand, I am very proud of my growth process and why shouldn’t I share it with everyone? Maybe how I feel will positively influence others who are going through what I have been through. What I came to realize is that it is alright to share bits and pieces of myself with everyone but there are those other bits that are not for everyone. I do feel that by blogging I have bared a bit of my soul and I do hope that I can influence you to become more introspective of your relationship to G-d and the purpose each of you have in this world.

This hike was not just 5 hours of a physical journey but an emotional and spiritual one as well. We all still have a few more days until it is Hoshana Raba (this Friday) and the doors of Heaven are sealed for the year and my fate sealed as well. I hope y’all here in the Holy Land get out and hike this beautiful country.

Share with others